McDonald’s and its franchisees to hire up to 50,000 employees in one-day blitz

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Oak Brook, Ill. -- McDonald's Corp. and its franchisees plans to hire as many as 50,000 new U.S. employees -- ranging from restaurant crew to managers -- on April 19. The one-day event will seek to bring in and hire a combination of both full- and part-time positions in close to 14,000 U.S. restaurants nationwide, increasing the company's U.S. work force by 7.7% to 700,000, but such hiring is typical in the lead up to the busy summer months.

"Our total hires are similar to past years, but the goal of hiring 50,000 people in one day across the U.S. is unique," McDonald's spokeswoman Ashlee Yingling told Reuters.

The April hiring event is preparation for the busy summer months. "But these are not just seasonal jobs. It's a mix of permanent and temporary jobs," Yingling said.

She added that McDonald's hourly employees typically make more than minimum wage, often more than $8 per hour.

There are some 14,000 McDonald's restaurants in the United States. Ninety percent of McDonald's U.S. restaurants are run by franchisees, and pay varies by ownership. Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald's said in a statement that its April hiring event is an opportunity to highlight that "a McJob is one with career growth and endless possibilities."

The company's hiring goal translates to between three and four new hires per restaurant.

McDonald's says turnover slowed because of the weak economy. The company sees an opportunity to attract employees in a tough job market.

McDonald's held a similar event in its Western region last year. More than 60,000 people applied for the 13,000 positions.

Those who are interested can apply in stores or online. Some restaurants will hold events and interviews that day.